The Central Bureau of Investigation has charge-sheeted Jindal Steel and Power Ltd’s promoter Naveen Jindal; former Minister of State for Coal Dasari Narayan Rao; former Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda, and former Coal Secretary H C Gupta, besides 11 others, in a case relating to irregularities in the allocation of a coal block in 2008.
The block in question is Amarkonda Murdangal in Jharkhand, which was allocated on recommendation of the 35th Screening Committee of the Government. Prior to e-auctioning of blocks under the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act 2015, mines were given to companies through the recommendations of a Screening Committee.
According to a CBI statement, two Delhi-based steel and iron companies misrepresented facts to get mines. “Also, there was alleged investment in a Hyderabad-based firm from the group of companies based at Delhi,” the CBI said.
“Searches were conducted on June 11, 2013, at 19 locations in Delhi and Hyderabad in connection with the case. After an investigation, the CBI filed a charge-sheet.”
A JSPL spokesperson said that the company is ‘shocked’ to know about the filing of the charge-sheet. “The said allocation was made to the company on merits. We deny all allegations made against our company and its management,” the spokesperson said. JSPL will also be availing itself of ‘appropriate’ remedy in accordance with the law, the spokesperson said.
CBI has charge-sheeted the accused for the alleged offences punishable under sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy) read with 420 (cheating) under the Indian Penal Code and under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.